Mind Over Matter: Key Strategies for Weight Loss Success

Mind Over Matter:

Key Strategies for Weight Loss Success

As a model, I have been on my share of diets over the years. From The Adkins diet to the South Beach diet to Ketogenic diet, I feel like I’ve tried them all. While I’ve had moderate success in losing weight from time to time, I believe I’ve found a long-term weight loss solution.

I worked at Barbizon Academy of Art teaching students good health habits and confidence. I often reminded them, “You are what you think you are.” If you are afraid and say you can’t do it, well, guess what? You probably won’t do it. The mind is a very powerful thing, and most of us take it for granted. You are in control of your thoughts and you become what you think about.

The key to long-term weight loss success may not be the body but the mind. Research indicates that those who have a positive outlook on life are more likely to lose weight—and stay thin. But how can you have a positive outlook when you’ve been burned so many times before? For example, 2020 was a rough year, and a lot of us put on weight. I have been blaming Covid for my extra 15 pounds, and yes, stress does cause binge eating. But there is hope for those of us who feel as if we’re trapped on the diet carousel. Is it possible to “will your way” to losing weight?

One technique that has been proven effective in sports training is something called visualization. For instance, a baseball player might visualize his bat connecting with a ball, leading to a homerun. A soccer player might visualize kicking the winning goal in a soccer match. And a golfer might visualize sinking the winning putt in the Master’s Tournament.

Dieters can use the same technique. Visualize yourself as thin. Picture yourself in that dress that is now two sizes too small. Imagine stepping onto the scale and being pleased with the result. Visualize yourself saying “no” to that piece of chocolate cake or that plate of Fettuccine Alfredo. These mind exercises can help to spur you onto weight loss.

When people learn they are suffering from cancer, they are encouraged to imagine their cancer cells being destroyed by healthy cells. You can follow the same technique to lose weight. That means imagining your fat cells being destroyed by thin cells. Through such a method, you can “think your way” to a healthy weight.

Also, it is critically important that you maintain a positive attitude. Be forgiving of yourself. If you veer off your diet plan, simply get back on course with your next meal. Don’t spend precious time “beating yourself up” over your failures. Instead, celebrate your successes—in a non-fattening way.

For instance, when you reach a milestone—say you’ve lost ten pounds—reward yourself with a trip to an art museum or to your favorite coffee shop (but skip the cream and sugar). Marking milestones will give you a sense of accomplishment, a sense that you are triumphing over food.

Another helpful technique can be prayer or meditation. Some support groups even offer Bible-based weight loss programs that use scripture verses to help inspire. Taking stock of your life and handing your weight loss problems over to a higher power can be cathartic and may give you a sense of peace about your weight difficulties. It has been said that a clear head leads to a healthy body. Try praying or meditating ten minutes at the start of your day. Chances are you will feel refreshed and ready to tackle the weight challenges that come your way.

Yet another technique you might consider is role-playing. Grab your spouse or a friend and ask him or her to act out a situation in which you might be tempted to overeat. You’ll be forced to come up with strategies to fight the temptation. This rehearsal could prove to be quite helpful when a real-life diet dilemma comes your way. If role-playing works for job interviews, it should be beneficial for your weight as well.

Mind over matter is not just a clever saying. It can actually be the solution to your weight loss problems. By using your brain power, you can develop the techniques needed to make healthy food choices. When your mind and your body are both healthy, you have the best of both worlds.